THE CLASS Math0320.007 Intermediate Algebra Spring, 2011 Days: T/TH Room: M105 Total Time: 11:00am-12:45pm Questions from Students: 11:00-11:05am Lecture: 11:05-11:45am Break: 11:45-11:50am Lab Assignment: 11:50-12:45pm Textbook: Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, 2nd edition by Sullivan, Struve, and Mazzarella. Purpose: Provides students with basic, important fundamentals of algebra Goal: Earn a “C” or better to advance to next level Next Level: Math1314 – College Algebra Or Math1324 – Math Analysis ITHE PROFESSOR Alan Worley Professor of Mathematics and Statistics 894-9611 ext. 2645 Email: [email protected] Website: www.southplainscollege.edu/math/worley Office: Room114 in Math Building Office Hours: Monday: 10:30-11:00am and 2:15-2:45pm Tuesday: 10:00-11:00am Wednesday: Same as Monday Thursday: Same as Tuesday Friday: 9:00am-12:00pm Or by appointment Background: Years Experience: 13 at SPC (18 total) College/Degree: New Mexico State University (M.S. in Biostatistics) Other Duties at SPC: Athletic Mentor for Math Department Pet Peeves: Anybody who accepts underachievement Cell phone addictionCOURSE OBJECTIVES 1. Graph linear equations and write the equation of the line. 2. Solve systems of equations by graphing, addition (elimination), and substitution. 3. Translate and solve word problems using systems of equations. 4. Graph systems of inequalities. 5. Factor polynomials-review. 6. Solve quadratic equations by factoring. 7. Simplify rational expressions by adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing. 8. Solve rational equations. 9. Simplify radical expressions by adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing. 10. Solve radical equations. 11. Add, subtract, multiply and divide complex numbers. 12. Solve quadratic equations by completing the square, square root property and quadratic formula. To maximize the potential to complete the course, a student should attend all class meetings, take notes, participate in class, complete all homework assignments, and demonstrate mastery (at least 70%) on all exams including the final examination. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY South Plains College strives to accommodate the individual needs of all students in order to enhance their opportunities for success in the context of a comprehensive community college setting. It is the policy of South Plains College to offer all educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability, or age. DISABILITY STATEMENT Students with disabilities, including but not limited to physical, psychiatric, or learning disabilities, who wish to request accommodations in this class should notify the Special Services Office early in the semester so that the appropriate arrangements may be made. In accordance with federal law, a student requesting accommodations must provide acceptable documentation of his/her disability to the Special Services Coordinator. For more information, call or visit the Special Services Office in the Student Services Building, 894-9611 ext. 2529, 2530 A student who enrolls in this class that may need classroom accommodations is strongly encouraged to schedule an intake interview with the special services department before enrolling in this class or prior to the add/drop date for this semester.RECIPE FOR SUCCESS-MATHEMATICS We have students in the class from various backgrounds. This is your first math class for most of you. However, some of us are repeating this class. Some of us have not had a math class in x number of years, and we need to refresh our math skills. Some of us have an adequate math background, whereas the rest of us have a weak math background. The speed of this class will focus more on the weak students rather than the stronger ones. If we cover a topic that seems easy to you, I will find something challenging for you. What you find easy might be very difficult to another student. Please respect this. Being extremely confused is not a good feeling. All of us have been there before. I would like for each of you to ask yourself the following question: Why am I in college? I hope that you are not here because: 1) that’s what I SHOULD do 2) what my parents said I SHOULD do, or 3) I’m here to avoid working full-time. I hope that you are in college, because you WANT to be here in order to achieve your goals and reach your dreams. If your dreams do not involve college, then you shouldn’t be here. You need to go do something else. For example, if you want to be in a rock band, move to a big city and go for this dream. College will still be here, if that doesn’t work out for you. I believe that each individual can be successful in college and earn his/her degree. However, 35% that begin college never complete it. Why do 65% fail? Here are the top 5 reasons why students do not succeed in college: 1). Bad work ethic (Laziness) 2). Bad study habits 3). Bad time management 4). Bad attitude 5). Financial or family chaos Notice that none of these reasons include a lack of intelligence. South Plains College has so many resources to help you, that you should use them. Plus, most of these resources are free. I hope that you are here for the right reasons. If you are, you have a good chance for success. If you possess one of “bad reasons”, then you probably won’t succeed. Thus, you are wasting your time this semester. As you will find out this week, this is a different kind of class. This class rewards students for their work. Students who attend class, have a good attitude, and willing to complete bonus assignments will be rewarded. You can pass this class. I want you to pass this class. Do you???RESOURCES 1. Your professor: I urge all students to see me at my office (M114), email me ([email protected]), or call me (894-9611 ext. 2645). I’m here to help you reach your goals. 2. FREE tutoring: Free math tutoring is available throughout the week in the math building in Levelland, Room 116. Math tutors are also available at the Reese campus (Buildings 2 and 8). Tutors and times will be posted around the second week of September outside M116 in the math building in Levelland or RC823 (Building 8) at the Reese Center. 3. Textbook: The textbook, Elementary & Intermediate Algebra, 2nd Ed. by